This Sunday will witness Two Million Races, and loads of off track action at the Mahalaxmi - By Gitanjali Gurbaxani
Posted on - 13 Jan 2012
This Sunday will witness Two Million Races, and loads of off track action at the Mahalaxmi
By Gitanjali Gurbaxani
After a brief lull of weekend racing, caused by the cancellation of the Kolkata Derby last Sunday due to rains, action returns to Mahalaxmi race course this Sunday with a bang. Two million races, and loads of off track action, promise a spectacular Sunday in a tribute to the Club's efforts to showcase racing as a great lifestyle sport. In the past, the Grade 2 R. R. Ruia Gold Cup, run about a month before the McDowell Indian Derby, has served as an eye opener for the Blue Riband of the Indian racing calendar and is regarded as one of the most prestigious races. We also have the Forbes India Million, a race in recognition of the Media partnership between Digital 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. and RWITC Ltd., running this Sunday. An added attraction will be the high tea that Forbes India in association with Food Links would be hosting for invitees in the Member’s Enclosure. Punters will also get to witness the live recording of Grade I Evergreen Calcutta Derby that will be telecasted at RWITC Ltd., on this Sunday.
Sergeant Pepper, the four year old good looking gelding from Dr. Vijay Mallya’s camp has till date won two of his three outings, making the rest look very ordinary. He has thinned the wallets of the punters for the second time running with his impressive run while winning the G Essaji Trophy last month with a measure of comfort. Trained by Pesi Shroff, this gelding was taken to the front by Jockey Anthony Crastus, and ultimately stayed there to win without being extended. Star Marquess from Dr. MAM Ramaswamy’s yard and Cardinal ( Placerville – Haunting Beauty ), both four year old colts are amongst the other horses who pose pretence of a challenge on the tracks this Sunday. Both are in great heart, impressive and can win again. The four year old gelding Field Marshal ( Placerville – Shamaal ) needs no introduction on the local turf, as on his last outing he put the other seven companions at his mercy after launching an assault from the top of the bend in the Grade 2 Bangalore 2000 Guineas. He sailed away to win in the straight and jockey Martin Dwyer had to mere offer his helping hands in the last furlong to complete the eight furlong journey within one minute and thirty seven seconds. With two monsoon classics under his belt, the Grade 1 Poonawala Mysore Derby and Grade 3 Fernhills Palace Mysore 2000 Guineas, he is a classy type who will go on in his career and emerge greater heights.
Like last year, this mega race on Sunday will in all probability, be an open race with six contenders vying for the R. R. Ruia Gold Cup. Will Field Marshall make his prominence felt and post a comfortable victory ? Who will emerge as the winner as the shimmering dust cloud of riders approach the finish line ? Come and witness a glamorous afternoon laced with top class horse racing at Mahalaxmi racecourse this Sunday, as this field is sure to provide ample excitement, on a day when the country’s best thoroughbreds are expected to bring the race track alive with several thrilling races.
(Gitanjali Gurbaxani is a Club Member of the RWITC and an avid race enthusiast for several years)
Please Comment Below
